This. I liked him because unlike many others -imports or otherwise - he undoubtedly had a genuine feeling for the club.

Perfect assesment.
In his favour he was also a great bloke to talk to and still has passion for Wakefield Trinity.
Legend, no but a proper Trinity bloke, maybe yes.

Is he a legend in the same way Neil Fox or Derek Turner are legends? Absolutely not.

Is a he a 'legend' in the same way Johnny Thompson is.........for me yes.
He's not a legend of rugby league, or even Super League, but he is an integral part of the epic story of Wakefield Trinity.
When we needed a leader, he was it. And that for me doesn't make him a legend, it makes him a key part of the legendary story.

Still wouldn't go as far as JT, come on 6 years versus 30+ - seriously

Nigel Bell maybe tops JD in the post 60's period. But I think JD tops JT

JT's status is really only based on longevity of service. This is fair enough.
JD was, albeit for a short period, a top Super League player wearing a Wakefield shirt alongside probably the best side we've had in the last 20 years.

Comparable things to remember:-

JD: Late try away at Hull 2004 playoff. Never say die try at home to Cas in £1k game. Control of Paul Newlove away v Cas 2004, Playing with major neck injury.

JT: Been at club ages. Comes from Eastmoor. Got sent off v Aussies. Likes it hard quote.

I just don't see the need to knock those who do admire him. Yes, his head did go down at times as he felt it like we did, but I would choose him as captain anytime.

I don't call folk that on here for having a different opinion!

That's exactly my point. You are judging Johnny on other things besides rugby ability yet you call out those that do the same about JD

You're forgetting that he's the only one who's allowed to do that.

No I'm giving some perspective. And seeing as you and a few others can't be bothered to read the thread, all I ever asked was 'why' people think he's a legend - have not given my own opinion.

Maybe we read too much into the why?

.....but the "let's not kid ourselves over his importance" implies you think he is less important than those posting.

It doesn't matter to me. I'm just answering your question of why people think you gave an opinion.

Many people have already covered why JD is a trinity great
But one of my personal reasons for regarding him so highly is simply that he stayed with us when he could have moved on to a bigger club when he was at his playing height

The offers were there but he remained loyal to us, that is the rarest commodity for wakefield trinity

He is one of a very small number of wakey players that hasn't just left the moment he had a better offer

To add to that, he stayed because "We" needed him, not because "He" needed us.